I knew that basin.

It was heavily guarded, surrounded by high chain-link fences and private security patrols.

If that boat left the harbor, Isabella and Rachel would disappear forever into Kane’s shadow network.

“Dante,” Eli whispered, pointing toward the dark waters of the river a block away.

A sleek black SUV sped past the end of the alley, its tires crunching on the fresh snow.

It was heading south, toward the harbor.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my car keys.

My backup vehicle was parked three blocks away in an alley behind a shipping warehouse.

“We have to run, Eli,” I said, looking down at him. “Can you do that for me?”

He nodded, tightening his grip on the oversized coat.

We broke into a run, our boots kicking up the fresh powder.

The cold air burned my lungs, but I didn’t slow down.

The phone in my hand lit up with a new notification.

It was an automated alert from my security feed at the harbor entrance.

A gate had just been opened.

The timer was running out.